Ferrari 750 Monza

The Ferrari Monzas, including the Ferrari 750 Monza, were named after the famous racetrack on the outskirts of Milan and illustrated the incredible engineering diversity and talent the firm possessed in the mid 1950s.

The Ferrari 750 Monza takes its name from the racetrack near Milan.See more Ferrari pictures.

The first Monza, the 250, had a 2953cc V-12. The 750 and 860 that followed were powered by inline-fours and were even more potent and well-balanced than the 250. Each drew its numerical designation from the cubic-centimeter capacity of one of its cylinders.

The 250 Monza had approximately 240 horsepower and used a four-speed gearbox to the other Monzas’ five-speed. Its tubular chassis was similar to that of the 500 Mondial. Coachwork was by Pinin Farina and Scaglietti; the former’s looked very similar to its 375 MM and 500 Mondial spyders. Scaglietti’s work continued his evolution of the long, low aerodynamic body style seen on the Mondial.

In 1955, journalist Hans Tanner went to Mexico to test one of the two Scaglietti 250 Monzas. After fighting Mexico City traffic, Tanner recorded 145 mph on an empty freeway. “Great car,” a policeman commented as Tanner paid a toll on the return trip. “And by the way, I forgot to mention the speed limit on the Autostrada is 60 mph!”

Generating 260 horsepower from 2999cc, the Ferrari 750 Monza was the most popular of the trio with privateers. Almost 40 were made, all but one having a Scaglietti spyder body. The Ferrari 750 Monza was a frequent class winner, and placed second overall at 1954’s Tourist Trophy Race in England and in 1955’s 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida.

The 860 Monza competed in 1956 with great success. Using a tube frame much like that of the 250 and Ferrari 750 Monza, its 3431cc four was good for more than 300 horsepower. In 1956, Ferrari team drivers Juan Manuel Fangio and Eugenio Castellotti won Sebring in an 860 Monza, with Luigi Musso and Harry Schell finishing second in another 860.

The car also placed second and third in the Mille Miglia, and in the top three at two other championship races. Thanks to such consistency, Ferrari handily won 1956’s Sports World Championship with double the points of second-place Maserati, its crosstown rival.